title: Mechanistic insights into interaction of humic acid with silver nanoparticles.
abstract: Humic acid (HA) is one of the major components of the natural organic matter present in the environment that alters the fate and behavior of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs). Transformation of Ag NPs happens upon interaction with HA, thereby, changing both physical and chemical properties. Fluorescence spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to analyze the interaction of Ag NPs with HA. In pH and time-dependent studies, the near field electro dynamical environment of Ag NPs influenced the fluorescence of HA, indicated by fluorescence enhancement. SEM revealed not only morphological changes, but also significant reduction in size of Ag NPs after interaction with HA. Based on these studies, a probable mechanism was proposed for the interaction of HA with Ag NPs, suggesting the possible transformation that these nanoparticles can undergo in the environment.
authors.affiliation: Center for Nanotechnology and Advanced Biomaterials (CeNTAB), SASTRA University, Thanjavur, 613401, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors.forename: Vijayan
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Manoharan
authors.forename: Aswathy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ravindran
authors.forename: C H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Anjali
mesh_terms: D006812:Humic Substances; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D053768:Metal Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry*; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D012834:Silver / Q000737:chemistry*; D013050:Spectrometry, Fluorescence; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D006812:Humic Substances; D012834:Silver